Introduction: With our finesse theme this year we spent extra time
checking out the latest spinning reels this year and we were excited to discover
that Shimano is introducing new Stradic and Sustain spinning reels this year.
These reels now come with improved ergonomics and features to increase cranking
power thanks to X-Ship design.

The Stradic FJ ushers the return
of a white finish for the series

The return of the white Stradic: My
favorite Stradic was the ST-2000. That white reel was timeless and while it
didn't have the highest specs or the greatest level of refinement it had
personality. Ten years ago I gave the Stradic ST-1000 TackleTour's very first
spinning reel Editors Choice Award, and looking back one of the things I
actually dinged it on was that "it only comes in white." Once the reel was no
longer available in white I started to miss the old reel, sure it wasn't just
the color, it was the whole "personality" that the reel exhibited. Today we have
come full circle, and while the new Stradic FJ is white once again the
similarities pretty much stop there, as the new reel is loaded with cutting edge
features that give it a "personality" all its own.

The Stradic FJ looks modern and
classic all at the same time

On the surface, anglers will quickly notice Shimano’s
return to the ‘Stradic white’ color. “That was the simple step in how to make
the Stradic reels even better, and we heard it loud and clear from anglers
really around the globe about selecting the right color,” said Kenichi Iida,
reel product specialist for Shimano America Corp. “But it’s under the surface
what anglers will really appreciate, and that’s a smoothness both during the
cast and then the retrieve made possible by X-Ship.”

The Stradic makes use of X-Ship
which improves rigidity and increased cranking power

The
X-Ship double bearing supported pinion gear is designed to increase gearing
efficiency and power and provide ultra-light handle rotation. Also included
in all seven Stradic FJ reels is a laundry of Shimano features, from Propulsion
Line Management System to virtually eliminate any line twist and increase
casting distance, Paladin Gear Durability Enhancement, SR Concept, Aerowrap II,
Dyna-Balance and Super Stopper II. They all have five S A-RB shielded bearings,
and a one-way roller bearing to eliminate any handle backplay.

The new reel has five S A-RB
shielded bearings and a one way roller bearing

Iida notes the handle
grips on each Stradic is selected to compliment the type of fishing the reels
are most used for. “You’ll find paddle handles on the ST-1000FJ and 2500FJ for
their primary freshwater use, and then a flat-T on the 3000FJ and a larger
saltwater T on the 4000FJ being that these reels see a good amount of use in
fresh and salt. We go with easy-to-grip ‘Power Egg’ shape handles – a small one
on the 5000FJ and large ones on the 6000FJ and 8000FJ – being these reels are
mostly used in saltwater situations. Additionally, “being that the Stradic
6000FJ and 8000FJ for used for targeting larger saltwater species, there is no
anti-reverse switch to help combat any intrusion of saltwater and the corrosion
in can cause,” said Iida. There
are seven new reels including the ST-1000FJ, 2500FJ, 3000FJ, 4000FJ, 5000FJ,
6000FJ and 8000FJ and they will retail for $179.99-$379.99 depending on model
and size. The new Stradic reels look very sharp and will arrive in tackle shops
in December, just in time for the holiday season, drop shot anyone?

The Sustain gets a major makeover
as well

The Sustain stands on its own: Like the Stradic Shimano's new Sustain
benefits from the trickle down of technology from the Stella and also gets
X-Ship. Unique to the Sustain FG reels is Shimano’s innovative
‘kickstand’ found opposite the handle side, this extension can easily be screwed
in to either side depending on whether an angler wants a right-hand or left-hand
retrieve reel.

...including a kickstand to
protect the reel from scratches, of course you don't have to use the kickstand
if you don't wish to

“When the reel lays on a boat deck, the kickstand keeps the
reel propped up so that the bail wire won’t get bent, and also protects the reel
from scratches,” Iida said. “Anglers will also notice that we use our
proprietary CI4 material in the rotor construction to help reduce weight, the
rotor now only weighs 0.4-ounces, plus it also contributes to making the handle
rotation smoother and lighter.”

X-Ship is proudly displayed on the
reel

The new Sustain FG reels also
feature Propulsion Line Management System, Paladin Gear Durability Enhancement,
a durable, cold-forged aluminum drive gear, SR Concept, Aerowrap II, Dyna-Balance
and Super Stopper II. With the exception of the SA-1000FG with seven shielded A-RB
ball bearings, the other Sustain reels all have eight S A-RB bearings, and all
models have a roller bearing.

Porting around the reel reduces
weight

All the Sustain FG reels feature oversized, high-density
EVA grips, providing added comfort and each sized to match the reel size, along
with a cold-forged ‘Rapid Fire’ drag knob for precise, quick drag adjustments
while fighting a fish. “We’ve had a great time developing and testing the new
Sustain FG reels,” said Iida. “Spinning reel enthusiasts are going to really
appreciate X-Ship and the smooth performance, plus the cool features like the
kickstand, our EVA grips and quick adjusting drag.”

One more look at the kickstand
which is bundled with each reel

The five reels available
include the Sustain (SA) 1000FG, 2500FG, 3000FG, 4000FG and 5000FG which will
retail for $329.99 to $359.99 depending on model. The Sustain 1000FG, 2500FG,
3000FG reels will be available starting in November, while the 4000FG, 5000FG
hit tackle shops in January2012. The new
Sustain FJ reels look very refined and feel smooth when cranked, and the smaller
sizes look like they will make excellent light light finesse reels spooled with
either Powerpro or fluorocarbon. I personally also really like the kickstand
option, sure it may look a little odd at first, but the durability benefits are
a welcome added value.